Perceptions of Confidence in Using Public Transportation Following a Transit Orientation for Older Adults
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-11-2016 11:15 AM
End Date
12-11-2016 11:45 AM
Description
Older adults frequently outlive their ability to drive but often do not plan ahead for this transition, and look into alternative forms of community mobility. Public transit is one possible alternative means of mobility; however, information about and experience with using public transit is often limited within this population. This study investigated how older adults’ subjective perceptions of confidence in using public transit changed following a public transit orientation which provided information on how to navigate the local transit system. Researchers used a mixed methods approach to survey general health perceptions and community mobility methods among a small group of participants who took part in an orientation to local public transit services. Participants were encouraged to take an optional trip on a local bus route then return for a focus group discussion on their experiences in the orientation and on the bus. The focus group data was transcribed and a thematic analysis conducted to identify themes in participant responses. Qualitative data indicated that participants did feel more informed about availability of local transit services and how to plan trips following the transit orientation but overall participants identified numerous concerns with the efficiency, convenience, safety, physical environment, and adequacy of local public transit services and did not see the local public transit as being a truly viable alternative to driving.
Recommended Citation
McCarthy, D. P., Crabb, T., Meach, L., & Whitworth, B. (2016), Perceptions of Confidence in Using Public Transportation Following a Transit Orientation for Older Adults, Presentation, Second Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/second/events/1
Perceptions of Confidence in Using Public Transportation Following a Transit Orientation for Older Adults
Older adults frequently outlive their ability to drive but often do not plan ahead for this transition, and look into alternative forms of community mobility. Public transit is one possible alternative means of mobility; however, information about and experience with using public transit is often limited within this population. This study investigated how older adults’ subjective perceptions of confidence in using public transit changed following a public transit orientation which provided information on how to navigate the local transit system. Researchers used a mixed methods approach to survey general health perceptions and community mobility methods among a small group of participants who took part in an orientation to local public transit services. Participants were encouraged to take an optional trip on a local bus route then return for a focus group discussion on their experiences in the orientation and on the bus. The focus group data was transcribed and a thematic analysis conducted to identify themes in participant responses. Qualitative data indicated that participants did feel more informed about availability of local transit services and how to plan trips following the transit orientation but overall participants identified numerous concerns with the efficiency, convenience, safety, physical environment, and adequacy of local public transit services and did not see the local public transit as being a truly viable alternative to driving.